Of all the Gospels, Luke gives us the most information about Jesus' early years. While Matthew reports on the arrival of the wise men and the family's escape to Egypt, Luke tells us of the journey to Bethlehem, the chorus of angels, the visit of the shepherds, as well as Jesus' dedication at the temple and his pre-teen adventure in Jerusalem.
Because of the intimate nature of the stories shared, some speculate that Luke had access to Mary's memories. Who else would know what Simeon and Anna had said about the infant Jesus? Who else would remember twelve-year-old Jesus' sojourn at the temple? Plus, we have this intriguing nugget in verse 19: "But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."
After a visitation by Gabriel in chapter 1 and her ensuing pregnancy by the Holy Spirit, Mary certainly knew that God was up to something with the birth of Jesus. This child she brought into the world was obviously special. But just like so many others, Mary may have assumed that her son would live the life of a conquering king rather than that of a suffering servant. How much did she know? She certainly always remembered Simeon's odd remark, "A sword will pierce your own soul, too."
Mark Lowry captured these early moments beautifully in his song that has become a classic, "Mary, Did You Know?"
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary did you know...
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.
I had never considered Luke having access to Mary, but it sure does make a lot of sense. How would one know what was going on in someone's heart or mind unless they were told.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what kind of tension the words about a sword piercing her own soul caused in Mary's life. The story seems to move fast as we flip the pages. But I have to remind myself that this happened in regular time. What kind of doubts did Mary have? Or did a sense of doom or sadness accompany every day? What a heavy load to carry.